Football
ESPN staff 9y

Didier Deschamps: I am not giving up hope on Franck Ribery France return

France coach Didier Deschamps insists he respects Franck Ribery's decision to retire from international football, but has not given up hope of tempting the Bayern Munich attacker back to Les Blues.

Ribery, 31, missed this summer's World Cup in Brazil after failing to recover from a recurring back injury, and retired from the national team in August to concentrate on club football and spend more time with his family.

In early September, UEFA president Michel Platini warned Ribery that he could face a ban if he refuses to come out of international retirement -- and while Deschamps will not force the winger to play after the pair settled matters, he is hopeful the winger could return in time for the Euro 2016 finals, which France will host.

"He made a decision; I can understand it and I respect it," said Deschamps. "But we'll see what happens in the months to come. Wearing the France shirt is something very personal and every player has to have a deep desire to do so. Franck had that desire for many long years."

Ribery has returned to action for Bayern this season after a longstanding back complaint, and Deschamps admits the player -- who scored 16 goals in his 81 France appearances -- has to enjoy playing again before a return to international football is even considered.

"For the moment, I'm not even asking myself the question of whether he will return or not," Deschamps added. "He has only made two appearances for Bayern Munich since recovering from his back injury. The most important thing is for him to start enjoying playing football again."

France have automatically qualified for Euro 2016 as hosts of the competition, but were rescued from an embarrassing home friendly defeat to Albania on Friday by Antoine Griezmann, whose late strike secured a 1-1 draw.

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